Candidate: Joe Adams

As a Mosquito Control (MC) Commissioner since 2018, I am running for re-election. I am honored to have been elected as chairman by my peers on the board for the last 3 years. 

I have completed Dodd Training for MC Commissioners and am a member of both the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) and the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA).  

During my term, the Board has maintained responsible fiscal management of taxpayer dollars, employee compensation, and public health and safety.  We have not raised the millage rate on property taxes and in 2021we adopted the rollback millage rate of .4307.  

Other accomplishments during my term include:

•   Hiring a Public Education Specialist which has increased public awareness through civic and homeowner organizations and education in our county schools  

•   Increased the surveillance department     

•   Increased in-house training and improved the training facility

•   Purchased a newer helicopter to be the primary aircraft instead of our 50-year-old helicopter which will still be utilized on an as-needed basis

•   Replaced or upgraded aging equipment per District policy when feasible.

I will continue to build on the achievements of my current term.

Fiscally Responsible - I will continue to be fiscally responsible of taxpayers’ dollars and make important money spending decisions after considerable review and analysis. Looking for efficiencies while maintaining a high level of service as expected by the taxpayers will continue.

Environmental Steward - The health and safety of all Citrus County residents are of the utmost importance from arboviruses and this will continue with the prevention program of best practices in use at Mosquito Control and will be expanded when feasible.

Proven Leader - As a past President and Treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) local union 433, Business Manager and Treasurer of IBEW System Council U-8, and Vice President of the Florida Electrical Workers Union, I am well prepared for continued leadership.  I have also attended the National Labor College studying Labor Arbitration, Contract Negotiations, and Labor History.  I have negotiated numerous contracts and successfully arbitrated labor disputes, including termination cases.  Served as chairman of the MC Board for the past 3 years.

With 35 years of service after hiring on to Florida Power Corporation in 1983, I worked as a Certified Welder Mechanic for most of my career and as a Master Mechanic until I retired from Duke Energy in 2018. I will continue to serve the community with my FULL attention.

Living in Citrus County for over 36 years. I am the proud father of two children and two grandsons. Currently serving as a council member at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Hernando, I also volunteer on their Building and Property Committee.  I strongly believe in volunteer work with many different causes, particularly Citrus County Blessings. I am also a member of the Inverness Kiwanis. For over 38 years I am still a member of the IBEW. 

I humbly ask for your vote so I can continue serving the residents of Citrus County. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure serving you.

Taking the sting out of your outdoors!